Super Short Summary

In his memoir, Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life (2007), American comedian, actor, and screenwriter Steve Martin chronicles his journey from a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse, through various odd jobs, including a stint at Disneyland, to his initial ventures into comedy. Using these experiences, he contextualizes his time at the Bird Cage Theatre, his personal relationships, and his rise to stardom, ultimately explaining his decision to leave stand-up comedy in 1981 and his philosophy about career paths. The memoir includes child abuse and domestic violence.